We've met, and even tested directly the Honda PCX Electric, a zero-mission version of the manufacturer's medium scooter with the wing symbol on it. Now, we meet the Yamaha E01, the NMax Electric.
The first thing that struck us was his figure, which was like a ready-to-go mass-produced motorbike. In fact, the Yamaha E01 is a concept model designed for the testing phase only produced by Yamaha Motor Corporation in Japan.
Build Quality Yamaha E01 is very capable. All devices and materials are so solid, not disassembled components assembled from various trial and error devices. The body has a design that is very easy on the eye, but still presents a futuristic element. Just look at the impressive lamp model.
We think that manufacturers in Japan have prepared various kinds of jigs and moldings for the production of various materials that make up the electric NMax. After all, there are 500 units produced for the Proof of Concept (PoC) phase which is claimed to be the main purpose of its initial introduction.
Next is a figure that is so similar to NMax. Luckily, we were one of the first media in Indonesia to ride this motorbike, and it feels relatively similar to the NMax. Ergonomic feel typical of a touring bike with a relaxed, upright riding position, with flexibility of leg room.
Indeed, the design of this motorbike is recognized by Yamaha Motor Corporation (YMC) as cheating on the NMax. The goal is to reflect the capability of this motorbike to swing not only in the city, but also to drive between regions.
Our attention is focused enough on the construction of the rear suspension geometry. It uses two suspensions like the NMax, but its position is slightly protruding into the middle. The shape according to YMC is designed to pursue the unique value of electric vehicles. By moving the rear suspension slightly indented, hopefully, the visuals of the E01 are more attractive. The front suspension is also protected, to make it appear more robust and sleek.
Slightly different is the weight. We have not managed to get a definitive figure that describes the weight of the motorbike that will be used by Indonesian consumers. But when we tried to shift or lift it to a standing position in the middle standard, it felt that there was a much heavier weight than the NMax. (unofficial sources say the weight of the E01 is 158 kg-Red needs to be confirmed)
The most interesting part of meeting and exploring the electric NMax is how the sensation of the distribution of electrical energy is. Unfortunately, when we met him, he could not be run freely. The procession of turning on the motor is not much different from an ordinary motorbike. After the contact is in the On position, the start button with the lightning logo needs to be pressed first, to confirm that we want to move the motor forward.
Above the standard, throttle lever that we turn, the Yamaha E01 can provide a very fierce response. It feels like the rotation of the wheels occurs quickly without a gradual feeling like a motorbike with a CVT transmission.
Naturally, if the wheel spins can happen very quickly. The reason is from the electric motor, the torque of 30.2 Nm can be harvested instantly, without the need to wait for momentum. To note, this amount of torque is equivalent to a motor sport of 300-400 cc, very large! And because there's no engine speed panel—there's no engine there anyway—then there's no indication of how much power we're using to drive the motor.
Oh yes, there are three riding modes on this bike. PWR (power), STD (standard) and ECO (Economical), these three modes regulate the amount of power that the Yamaha E01 can provide when used.
To reduce speed, pinned ABS brakes on the front and rear (two channels). Not only that, there are also regenerative brakes, which will give the impression of a soft deceleration when the gas lever is closed. So that the distribution of power is also channeled safely, the Yamaha E01 is also equipped with a Traction Control System feature.
What is unique and the first time we have found this class of motorbike is the reverse mode feature. The presence of this feature allows the motor to be driven backwards by pressing a button. That said, this feature application is intended to provide assistance to riders who want to back their motorbikes easily. Its use via the button is also intended so that the driver is not wrong in operating this process. In fact, when the throttle lever is turned when the Reverse mode is selected, it will not work immediately to advance. Driving mode forward, as if turned off and needs to be reactivated like starting a motorbike.
There is also something interesting about this motorbike, namely the Y-Connect feature. Although the name is the same as that embedded in many Yamaha motorcycles, the functions and ways of working are different. For example, for connectivity, it uses a 3G/LTE signal that connects the motor-Cloud Server and cellphone. Unlike the general motorcycle that uses Bluetooth to download the data.
Some of the information that is presented and can be accessed from the cellphone, for example the notification of damage, the last distance driven, the estimated distance that can be traveled, the status of the battery to the estimated charging time when it is being charged. That said, the reason for using a direct connection system to the Yamaha server was also intended to make it easier for YMC to monitor its motorbike in this PoC test.
One inter8esting thing about this bike that keeps us wondering is its embedded battery scheme. Yes, while other manufacturers use swappable models where the battery can be removed, Yamaha has chosen to install a non-removable battery by consumers.
The reason is that this lithium ion battery has an electrical energy storage capacity of 4.9 kWh. For comparison, the Honda PCX Electric battery has a capacity of 20.8 Ah with a power of 50.4 V. In the body of the Honda PCX, there are two batteries arranged in series. If totaled and converted to kilowatt-hour (kWh) units, these two batteries only have a capacity of 2,096 kW
This means that the Yamaha NMax electric battery, uh, sorry E01, has more than double the capacity of the PCX. Naturally, if Yamaha dares to claim that the mileage on paper can reach 130 km (the European te WMTC Class 1 method - YMC claims), aka almost double the PCX which can only cover 69 km.
With such a large battery, and weighing up to 35 kg, Yamaha believes the embedded model is the most ideal design to provide a bike with a composition that remains reliable. Well, since it's embedded, the only method to charge it is to plug it directly into a power source.
Yamaha explained, there are three models of chargers to charge the E01. The fastest is to use a Fast Charger which can charge up to 90% in 1 hour. The second is the Normal Charger which can be installed at home with a charge speed of 5 hours to charge it from an empty condition. Then the most practical and can be taken anywhere is the Portable Charger, which takes 14 hours to fully charge if the battery runs out. Now, because there is no battery in the trunk, this portable charger is designed with a construction that can be stored neatly in the 23 liter volume.
It's interesting to see how this motor behaves if we later test it on the streets of Indonesia. With all the unique features of the special approach it uses, what the Yamaha E01 has to offer really needs to be studied further
